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Stories, tips, and insights from the expat community in Cuenca
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GDP growing at 2%, inflation at just 1.5%, a new US trade deal boosting exports, and the basic salary up to $482/month. Here's what Ecuador's 2026 economy actually looks like — and why it matters if you live here.
The city launched a 10-year environmental roadmap covering electric buses, water protection, and emissions reduction. Bloomberg Philanthropies is funding youth climate projects. Here's what it means for the city.
Ecuador's international reserves reached a historic $11.86 billion in February — a 166% increase in just 14 months. For expats keeping savings in a dollarized economy, this is the most reassuring economic signal in years.
The White House raised tariffs on Ecuador from 10% to 15%, hitting shrimp, bananas, tuna, and broccoli exports. Ecuador's production minister is in damage-control mode, and the ripple effects could reach Cuenca's grocery shelves.
The national numbers are in from Carnival 2026 — Ecuador's tourism sector pulled in $81.9 million over four days. But Cuenca's story was more complicated, with the city ranking third nationally in emergency calls. Here's the full post-Carnival breakdown.
Cuenca's real estate market is defying Ecuador's broader economic headwinds. Property values are up 8-12% annually, rents are surging in expat-popular neighborhoods, and the investor visa threshold just went up. Here's a practical breakdown of what's happening and how to navigate it.
After the devastating rolling blackouts of 2024, every expat in Ecuador has the same question: will it happen again? New plants are online, Turkish floating generators are humming, and the rain is helping — but one massive vulnerability remains. Here's the full picture.
Ecuador received a record $7.9 billion in remittances last year — more than bananas, shrimp, or cacao exports. Now a combination of ICE enforcement, deportation fears, and a new US tax on cash remittances is cutting those flows. In Cuenca, families report receiving half what they used to.
On February 13, the US and Ecuador announced they've 'substantially concluded' a new trade agreement. Ecuador is dropping tariffs on American wine, nuts, fruit, and wheat. Here's what might actually change for expats shopping at Supermaxi.